Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

21 Jul

Niagara Indian Association Marks Founding Day; CHCC and NIA Sign Memorandum of Understanding

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada

St. Catharines, Ontario (Rajeev Sharma): The Niagara Indian Association (NIA) celebrated its Inauguration and Founding Day with a grand community gathering at its newly established centre in St. Catharines, bringing together community leaders, elected representatives, business professionals, and members of the Indo-Canadian community. A major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce (CHCC) and the Niagara Indian Association (NIA). The agreement is aimed at strengthening collaboration in business development, entrepreneurship, cultural initiatives, community engagement, and networking opportunities for the Indo-Canadian community across Canada. Representing CHCC, Dr. Rakesh…

21 Jul

Racial Harassment of Punjabi Truck Drivers Raises Alarm in Australia; Calls Grow for Stronger Protection

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsAustralia

Canberra (Rajeev Sharma): Fresh reports of racial discrimination against Punjabi truck drivers in Australia have triggered widespread concern, with members of the transport community alleging that abuse and intimidation have become increasingly common on the country's highways. Industry organisations have denounced the incidents, warning that such hostility not only affects drivers' well-being but could also compromise road safety. An investigation by Australian broadcaster ABC has highlighted several accounts from Indian-origin truck drivers who claim they have faced harassment because of their language, appearance and cultural identity. Drivers alleged that speaking Punjabi over CB radio channels or wearing turbans has made…

21 Jul

Heavy Monsoon Spell Puts Himachal on High Alert; Educational Institutions Shut in Vulnerable Areas

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingHimachal

Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): Relentless monsoon showers have intensified across Himachal Pradesh, prompting authorities to issue fresh weather warnings and enforce precautionary measures in several districts. As heavy rainfall continues to batter the hill state, schools in parts of Chamba district and Theog subdivision of Shimla have been ordered to remain closed to ensure the safety of students and staff. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a Red Alert for Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Sirmaur, warning of extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places. Officials have cautioned that the prevailing weather conditions could trigger landslides, flash floods, falling boulders and…

21 Jul

Alberta Minister Dan Williams Begins Province-Wide Tour to Engage with Municipal Leaders

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta's Minister of Municipal Affairs, Dan Williams, has launched a province-wide summer tour aimed at strengthening collaboration with municipalities, discussing local priorities and reviewing infrastructure projects supported through provincial funding. Over the next two weeks, the minister is expected to visit more than 90 municipalities, meeting elected representatives to better understand the issues facing communities while highlighting development initiatives that are contributing to regional growth. Williams said the tour is designed to create direct dialogue with municipal leaders and gain first-hand insight into both the successes and the challenges experienced by local governments. He added that the…

21 Jul

Alberta Launches Campaign to Stop Release of Goldfish and Other Invasive Fish into Natural Waterways

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government has renewed its efforts to safeguard the province's lakes, rivers and wetlands by urging residents not to release pet fish or aquatic plants into natural water bodies. Through its "Don't Let It Loose" awareness campaign, officials are calling on Albertans to help prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species that threaten local ecosystems. Environmental authorities say goldfish, despite being common household pets, can become a serious ecological problem when introduced into the wild. Once released, they reproduce quickly, compete with native fish for food, disturb aquatic vegetation and contribute to declining water quality. According…

21 Jul

Alberta Opens Vote-by-Mail Registration for October 2026 Referendum

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Albertans eligible to vote in the October 19, 2026 Referendum can now apply for Vote by Mail, with Elections Alberta officially opening online applications for Special Ballots. The initiative is intended to provide voters with greater flexibility ahead of polling day, particularly those who may be unable to cast their vote in person. According to Elections Alberta, every eligible elector can request a Special Ballot without having to provide any specific reason. Officials say the option allows voters to complete their ballot at a convenient time and location, giving them adequate opportunity to review the referendum questions…

21 Jul

Indian Society Airdrie to Celebrate India’s 79th Independence Day with Community Spirit and Volunteer Recognition

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAirdrie

Airdrie / Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Indian Society Airdrie is set to celebrate India’s 79th Independence Day on Friday, August 15, with a vibrant community gathering at Nose Creek Park (Temporary Flagpole), Airdrie, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The free public event is expected to attract a large number of families and community members, continuing a tradition that has grown stronger every year. Sharing details with National Times Media, Maulik Shah said this year’s celebration will feature the ceremonial Indian flag hoisting, cultural performances, free refreshments, and complimentary Indian flags and tricolor tattoos for children. A special highlight of…

21 Jul

Portage College Graduates in Alberta Face PGWP Crisis, Students Seek Ottawa Intervention

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Hundreds of international graduates from Alberta’s Portage College are facing uncertainty after receiving refusals for their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications. The affected students say they invested thousands of dollars, completed their studies, and planned their future in Canada based on the understanding that their programs would support their eligibility for post-graduation work opportunities. The issue involves graduates of certain continuing education programs offered through Portage College’s Calgary partner campuses. Students say they enrolled in 2024 after receiving information that their programs would provide a pathway toward PGWP eligibility. However, after graduation, many received refusal letters from…

20 Jul

Centre Opens Dialogue With CJP as Party Delegation Heads to Meet JP Nadda

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingJP Nadda

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): In a significant development amid the ongoing protests demanding examination reforms, the Centre on Monday initiated formal talks with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), with a two-member delegation scheduled to meet Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda later in the day. The party confirmed that Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das and National Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka will represent the protesters during the discussions, marking the first official interaction between the government and the movement's leadership since the demonstrations began. According to sources, government representatives first established contact through New Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma, proposing discussions at…

20 Jul

Protesters Ready for Talks as Administration Makes Contact; Sonam Wangchuk Continues Fast

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingSonam Wangchuk

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Efforts to break the deadlock between the administration and protesters appear to be gathering pace after officials reached out to initiate discussions, according to Climate Justice Party (CJP) Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das. While welcoming the move, Das said the protesters are still waiting for a definitive response from the government before formal negotiations can begin. Addressing the media, Das said the group has sought dialogue since the protest began and remains prepared to engage in meaningful discussions. He added that although the administration's outreach came after a considerable delay, the protesters have responded positively. "We have…